Living in Vienna

Getting Around

Cars

The Austrians are known to be a car-loving nation. As a result,
Austria boasts an excellent road network. However, almost all
of the bigger cities suffer from severe parking availability
problems. Spaces are scarce and prohibitively expensive. If
you do find a space, the time you are allowed to park for is
usually around 90 minutes in central districts. One way streets
and traffic jams also take enjoyment out of the journey.
If you do decide to drive your own car here to Vienna you will
need to purchase a Vignette which is a form of toll that allows
you to drive on Austria's motorways. These vignettes can be
purchased at gas stations, border crossings etc.
Drivers in Austria are also required to carry safety warning
equipment, namely a reflective warning triangle to place on
the road in the event of an accident, a first aid kit and a
reflective vest. Failure to carry these items in your car will
leave you liable to a fine.
Do you prefer to rent a car during your stay in Vienna? No problem,
we have compiled a list of attractive car
rentals.

Public transport

The public transport system in Austria is excellent. Austria's
rail network is comfortable, reliable and fast. The main rail
website offers excellent information on timetables, services
and discounts. The quality of service offered by the rail
network makes it far more appealing than bus links.
Vienna boasts several major train stations. Most people will
arrive either at the Southern or the Western main train stations
which are well-connected with the rest of the city. Cities
such as Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Munich, Venice are all
are regularly served from the cities main stations. For the
more adventurous there is also the possibility to travel further
a field to destinations such as Warsaw, Berlin, Kiev etc.

Air links

All of Austria's major cities including Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck,
Graz and Klagenfurt and Vienna have their own international
airports. Austrian Airlines, Austria's national carrier, serves
all of the above cities and connects Austria with many international
destinations. There are now a range of low cost carriers which
connect Vienna, Linz and Bratislava to a number of European
destinations e.g. AirBerlin, FlyNiki, Ryanair, Sky Europe
and German Wings.

Public Transport

Vienna features an impressive public transport system. the
subway, trams and buses assure reliable and clean transportation.
The underground/subway system is particularly easy to navigate.
At night, there exists a network of night buses, a cheaper
alternative to taking a taxi. All of these transport options
are available at very reasonable prices ranging from Euro
1.80 for a single Journey, Euro 14.00 for a weekly card and
Euro 49.50 for a monthly ticket.

Cycling

Much of Vienna encourages cyclists through designated cycle
lanes. Since 2002 the city has even offered public bicycles
('Stadtrad') in central districts. Tourists and locals use
them for short distances. They are free save apart from a
small deposit.
There are many beautifully tended cycling routes throughout
the country esp. along the Danube river.